A New Life

Behind the politically charged rhetoric about refugees are people, including these new
San Antonians

By Kathleen Petty

Photography By Scott Ball

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They’re doctors, engineers, teachers, parents and students. They come from Afghanistan, Iraq, Burma, Somalia and other countries where strife and fear are commonplace. Now, they are San Antonians. The more than 450 refugees who have resettled in the Alamo City already this year after fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries all face years of adjustment—from learning basics like how to fill out apartment rental applications or take the bus to major challenges such as mastering a new language and job while learning the subtle nuances of a new culture. Staff at Catholic Charities, the official resettlement agency for San Antonio, say it can take years for refugees to find their place in a new hometown. But even though the path to assimilation is rarely simple, it’s one they say they’re grateful to pursue. “With the political climate now, there are sometimes negative connotations with the word refugee,” says Dulce Morales, a manager in Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services program. “But these refugees are just like anybody else. They want to work hard and pursue the American dream. They get involved in the community, and the community has embraced them.” Meet a few refugees who are making their way in San Antonio.